Blog

Gut Health

15/1/2023

So what does gut health have to do with Craniosacral Therapy?

In Craniosacral Therapy we work with the nervous system and I have previously written about the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems but did you know the gastro intestinal tract (GI) has its own nervous system call the Enteric Nervous system. The enteric nervous system regulates both digestive and absorptive processes and is located all along the GI tract from the mouth to the anus. The enteric nervous system connects with the central nervous system via the Vagus Nerve and other neural pathways. However it can also act independently of the Central nervous system which is why the digestive system is often referred to as the Second Brain as it has its own system of neurons and glial cells.
Have you every thought about the expressions 'gut instinct' and 'listen to your gut', having 'butterflies in your tummy'? Have you noticed that you may need to go to the loo more often when you are scared or stressed, or the opposite if you find that you are 'holding onto things"? These are all messages from your enteric nervous system and I would encourage you to listen to it.

Sometimes the lining of the gut can become 'damaged' and the protective epithelial layer develops 'holes' allowing allergens and pathogens to enter the blood stream. This is often termed leaky gut.

What else happens in the gut?

70% of your immune system is in your gut

50% of your domaine is found in the enteric nervous system. Dopamine helps nerve cells to send message to each other.

90% of the hormone serotonin is produced in the intestinal tract. Serotonin is the hormone responsible for affecting our mood, learning and memory. Without the correct balance of gut microbiome in the gastro intestinal tract, 40% less serotonin is produced. Not enough serotonin is thought to contribute to depression, so this is one of the link between food and mood.

In order for these processes to work effectively we need to look after our gut. Read on to find out what you can do to improve the functioning of you gut and enteric nervous system.

Seasons Greetings

11/12/2022

It is hard to believe we are coming to the end of 2022. How has the year been for you?
It's been a busy one for me, welcoming new and existing clients of all ages into the Cranial Base.
Didn't we have a long hot summer, it was lovely to have the door open bringing in the sunshine but I was also very grateful for the air-conditioning in the Cranial Base giving some relief for myself and my clients.
As the weather has got colder I'm happy to have a well insulated space to work and for my clients to feel cosy and warm.
It was good to see end of Covid restriction and face coverings. However there are viruses circulation so I continue to have hygiene procedures in place. It is also good to take care of your immune system at this time of year, especially with the higher levels of Strep A circulation in children at the moment. Take a look back at my blog Craniosacral therapy and the immune system
Have you enjoyed my blogs. I try to bring you relevant health tips. Your feedback is always well received. If you have any suggestions for further newsletters let me know.

Autumn Health Tips

15/11/2022

How are you doing now we are well and truly into Autumn? So far the days have been mild and a few days recently, I have been able to treat clients with the doors to the Cranial Base open, allowing the afternoon sunshine to flood in. I have enjoyed watching the colours of the trees change, especially the Acers which are a beautiful red. How are you feeling as we head into winter? Read on for a few tips to support your physical and emotional health this season.

Women's Health

6/10/2022

This is one of my favourite figurines from the Willow Tree. I bought it for my Mum when my daughter was younger and for me it represents our three generations. Do you see yourself in this figurine? I see lots of women in my practice who find themselves in the Sandwich Generation. This is where they are sandwiched between dependent children and dependent parents. This Sandwich Generation has come about in the last 20th century due to having children later in life and increase in lifespan. When you add in working, running a household and a change in hormone balance it is no wonder many women can struggle with the demands of daily life. October is World Menopause Month with Tuesday 18th being World Menopause Day, and I'm sure we will be seeing lots in the media about the Menopause. There are lots of things women can do to help relieve some of the symptoms of menopause and having the support of those around them can really help. So for all the men reading please continue as you may be able to understand and help your partner, sister, mother or work colleague.

Holiday Health

30/6/2022

Whether you are going on holiday in the UK or abroad, or enjoying the summer at home here are a few tips to help you stay healthy this summer.

Men's Health

1/6/2022

Men's Health Week 13th to 19th June.

Some men are proactive about their health but the majority are not. What should men be looking out for with their health.

Bowel Cancer. The NHS offer a screening program for everyone between 60 and 74, although it will soon be extended to younger age groups. If you fall into this age category you will automatically be sent a stool sample kit. It is so simple to do and early detection and diagnose will improve your outcome.

Heart Disease. When was the last time you checked in on your heart, monitored your blood pressure or cholesterol? The NHS does offer health checks for everyone over 40, check with your GP to see if this is something your surgery is able to offer at this time.

Prostate Cancer. There is no NHS national screening program for prostate cancer, however if you have any concerns such as increase frequency in passing urine, blood in the urine, leaking urine or feeling like the bladder is not emptying, contact you GP to discuss if a PSA blood test is required.

Mental Health. How are you (or the men in your life) feeling. It has been a difficult few years for all of us and has had an impact on our physical and mental health. With uncertainty ahead, with cost of living increases what impact is this having? Do you (or the men in your life) talk about how you feel?

Mental Health Awareness

28/4/2022

How are you feeling as we return to a new normal? There has been a lot in the media about mental health and 9th to 15th of May this year is mental health awareness week.

I see many clients who are suffering with their mental health, whether it is depression, anxiety or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). There are lots of reasons people suffer with their mental health but I find a lot of clients have trauma stored in their body. This may be from bereavement, recent trauma or lots of things building up over the years. Other clients have suffered traumatic times in their childhood. PTSD is estimated to affect about 1 in every 3 people who have a traumatic experience, but it's not clear exactly why some people develop the condition and others do not.

The NHS definition of PTSD is an anxiety disorder caused by very stressful, frightening or distressing events. This can be due to serious accidents, violent personal assaults (such as sexual assault, mugging or robbery), serious health problems, childbirth or childhood experiences. Some clients don't feel like they have had any traumas, but many behaviours can be a result of trauma. Having long work hours, not making time for oneself, always having to be good enough, or proving oneself to others can be a result of childhood experiences. Without understanding the origins of these patterns of behaviours it is difficult for life to change.

Are you getting enough sleep and why is sleep so important?

23/3/2022

When we are asleep the brain shrinks slightly to allow the glymphatic system to do its work. The glymphtic system is a system of perivascular tunnels around the blood vessels inside the brain that promotes efficient clearing of soluble proteins and metabolites from the central nervous system. This includes the clearing of Beta amyloid, an increase in Beta amyloid in the brain is linked to the build up of plaque in the brain and can lead to dementia. The brain also needs to be well hydrated in order for the fluid to circulate and 'wash' away the debris and bring fresh oxygen and nutrients.

How can you improve the quality and quantity of your sleep.

Happy Healthy Heart

5/2/2022

We are all aware of the messages about how to look after our heart.
Give up smoking, keep active by doing a minimum of 30 minutes of activity 5 times a week and to watch our weight. Cut down on salt and saturated fat and watch our alcohol intake.
Eat more fibre and have at least 5 portions of fruit and vegetables a day.
But what about the connection with your emotional heart.
The connection between the physical and emotional body are so closely linked that an imbalance or upset in your emotions can cause physical symptoms.
I see clients who are suffering from stress and anxiety which can display in their body as heart palpations or feelings of tightness in the chest. This is usually due to the vagus nerve activating the sympathetic nervous system which prepares us to fight or flight in response to stress. When we calm the central nervous system the parasympathetic nervous system regulates the heart and breathing and allows us to rest and digest.
How often do you 'tune in' to your heart and really feel what is happening?

We have all heard of the the expressions
My heart skipped a beat
My heart was racing
My heart was in my mouth
Heart break

But what do these really feel like?

Here are a few tips on how to look after your emotional heart.

1. Spend a few moments each day connecting with your heart. What do you notice, how does it feel?

2. Take some deep breaths and notice how that feels, does it feel tight in your diaphragm or up in you shoulders or perhaps in the side of your ribs.

3. Take 5 full slow deep breathers. Try to do this at least twice a day, maybe before getting up in the morning (before reaching for your phone and checking your emails!) and when you get into bed. You can then incorporate this into other times of the day too. Simply by doing this you may notice that you start to calm your body and feel that your chest is expanding more easily.

4. Talk to someone about how you a feeling rather than bottling up emotions.

5. Reduce your stress by finding ways that calm your nervous system, this may be going for a walk, listening to music meeting up with a friend.

6. Book a Craniosacral Therapy appointment, which will help to calm the central nervous system, release any restrictions in your body such as tightness in the neck, shoulders or chest and encourage you to connect with your body and release any emotions.

If you are experiencing any chest pain or shortness of breath contact your doctor or call for an ambulance.

How are you settling into 2022?

14/1/2022

Monday 17th January is apparently Blue Monday, research back in 2005 showed the third Monday in January is the most depressing day of the year.
Many of us find ourselves in subzero weather, looking at our post-Christmas credit card bills and realising we might already be breaking our New Year’s resolutions.
It doesn't need to be like this, there are lots of things to be positive about!